Pricing Announced: 2012 Nissan Maxima

Nissan is following the lead of many other car companies by resisting the urge to increase prices on its latest models. Despite a number of minor enhancements for the new model year, the 2012 Nissan Maxima S will continue to have a base sticker price of $31,750, plus $760 for shipping and handling, while the SV version will cost $34,450.

Both the Maxima 3.5 S and Maxima 3.5 SV feature a standard 290-horsepower 3.5-liter VQ-Series V6 engine and Xtronic CVT transmission. The 2012 Maxima, which Nissan still likes to describe as its flagship model, receives a refreshed exterior with a new front grille design, new rear combination lights, and new 18-inch and 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.

Inside, the Maxima interior's enhancements include a new meter cluster illumination color (white), new Dark Piano-hairline trim, a new Atlantic Cherry wood tone trim, a new metallic-finish trim, and a new Cafe Latte interior color. There's also a new audio segment display and new audio/HVAC knob design.

Years ago I used to regard the Maxima as a desirable sports sedan but this model seems to lack excitement. I guess it's not surprising as Nissan would rather have customers who are looking for a sporty sedan opt for the Infiniti G25, or even the M37, since they don't cost that much more.

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